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Many Hawaii residents and visitors insist that time spent in the Islands isn’t complete without sampling that quintessential of local meals: the plate lunch. Appetite sating, near always affordable and ever delicious, the basic plate lunch formula calls for two scoops of sticky white rice and a scoop of macaroni salad (or mixed greens, if you’re feeling more health inclined), paired with a protein-of-your-choice. Favorites include chicken katsu (boneless chicken, coated in panko flakes and deep fried), hamburger steak (essentially a hamburger patty topped with thick brown gravy), grilled teriyaki beef and dozens of other choices.

So Much More Hawaii recently asked Hawaii hotel concierge professionals — residents we figured would definitely know a thing or two about great places to eat— to share their favorite plate lunch spot. Here are the top recommendations from each:

Both hearty and delicious, the plate lunch is a local staple; Photo Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority / Daeja Faris

“This is a fantastic little spot, nestled in a lovely collection of small shops and restaurants at the foot of Diamond Head crater. If I’m there on weekends, I order the Suki Special, for its kalbi ribs and Korean barbecue chicken, served with white or brown rice, and salad. On weekdays, I order the Surf & Turf for its sheer variety of food on the plate. I rarely leave the market without a piece of their lemon crunch cake, banana bread or famous blueberry cream cheese scones.”

“Mark’s is my favorite place lunch place. And my favorite lunch plate there is the loco moco. A popular dish in the Islands, it’s a tasty hamburger patty, served over rice and topped with brown gravy and eggs. (I like mine sunny side up.) Loco moco is a definite “must try” food item when visiting Kauai!”

“You may recognize Philip ‘Ippy’ Aiona from the Food Network, where he was a finalist on ‘Food Network Star.’ The Waimea chef has brought his unique ‘local kine’ cooking to Waikoloa, creating the best spot for Hawaiian-style barbecue and burgers. I love the soy-braised pork belly sandwich. It’s something you can’t find anywhere else!”